With the new DS 4, the high-end French brand is once again offering a double offer: a classic version and one following the SUV trend. But, despite notable aesthetic differences, the models are technically identical. Explanations.
[Mis à jour le 30/08/2021] Marketed in November 2021, the new French compact has passed into the hands of our tester. Find our video opinion on the Cross E-tense plug-in hybrid version.
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DS Automobiles has revealed its new DS 4. Or more exactly its DS 4. A habit taken during the restyling of the first generation: the car then split to offer on the one hand a classic compact sedan, lowered, and on the other a more SUV-oriented, enhanced offer. Rebelote for the second generation? Not quite…
A common aesthetic basis
The classic DS 4 is a stylish compact sedan. Here in Opera finish, the top of the range.
The second DS 4 of the name displays an original exterior style, just like what the brand has been offering us for years. The features are prominent and the graphic elements numerous (very bright LED daytime running lights, specific rear pillar, etc.). It naturally stands out from the rest of automobile production. As for the previous generation, the newcomer has two proposals: one, classic, adopting an elegant presentation through different finishes (Trocadéro, Rivoli or Opéra), the other displaying a more adventurous style. The latter is called Cross, and not Crossback, an important detail to which we will come back.
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How to differentiate the Cross from the DS 4?
To put it simply, the Cross makes fun of chrome. So, while the classic DS 4 sports this material everywhere, from the elements inlaid in its gaping grille to the rod separating the roof from the glazing through its sills, the DS 4 Cross dispenses with it. The only concessions to the presence of chrome on this version: the DS Wings near the grille and the strip between the lights on the tailgate. The differences do not end there, however. The roof of the classic DS 4 is black in order to visually lower its height.
The roof bars are specific to the Cross model.
By adopting a roof in the same color as the rest of the bodywork, the Cross intends on the contrary to gain height. This is accentuated by the roof bars. At last, to complete its backpacker look, the DS 4 Cross sports protections at the bottom of its front and rear shields, as well as a specific logo at the bottom of the front door.
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But are they that different?
” The eye only sees the surface of things, do not trust it. These words of Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star wars (episode IV – “A new hope”) inspired the designers of DS Automobiles. Indeed, side by side, the two models seem to have different dimensions: the Cross appears taller than the classic. However, it is not. The two models display exactly the same dimensions: 4.40 m in length, 1.83 m in width and above all 1.49 m in height. The ground clearance of the pair is exactly the same. In addition, the roof bars of the Cross version do not make it taller because the high point of the DS 4, whatever the model, is taken at the level of the shark antenna.
Finally, DS’s desire has never been to make this version an SUV. The proof, the wheel arches are devoid of any plastic protection. ” We didn’t need it, it would have accentuated an SUV typing we didn’t want »Told us Thierry Metroz, responsible for the design of the brand. Hence this different name from the real SUVs of the range that are the DS 3 Crossback and DS 7 Crossback.
What about the Performance Line?
The DS 4 Performance Line sports a completely black grille.
The story could have ended there, but DS Automobiles has chosen to offer a third version: the DS 4 Performance Line. The car could look like a mixture of the two previous ones. It abandons the chrome, including for the DS Wings and the strip on the tailgate, but it retains an element in the sill to visually lower the trim of the car. And it does without roof bars … Of course, it offers the same dimensions as the other two versions. Its only specificity: an interior incorporating Alcantara.
In all cases, the order book is now open. Prices start from € 29,200 with a PureTech 130 engine. However, deliveries are not expected before the end of the year. However, those in a hurry have already ordered the launch edition, La Première. Very well equipped, it is displayed from € 47,100 with the PureTech 180.
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